Monday, February 25, 2013

A few weeks ago this scarf was a feature of both my Works In Progress and What I Wore Wednesday posts. Today I thought I would share how I made it! This is a super simple crochet project -- you only need to know the basic stitches. It also is very versatile; you could use just about any yarn and hook, you can also make it as skinny or as wide as you'd like, and you can make it as short or as long as you'd like!

I just kept repeating Row 2 until I didn't have enough yarn to complete another row, then I slip-stitched the ends together. (Making sure to line up all the stitches!) This wasn't a large skein of yarn, but I am happy with the length.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

I've been playing around with One Dog Wolf's Infinity Cowl. (She's have a crochet along right now!) I've been having quite a bit of fun with this! Of course, now I just have to finish weaving in all of my ends. That's always the worst part for me.

I tried one using the "minky" yarn that I have. It's such a fun and soft yarn, but I've decided that I don't like working with it because you basically have to crochet blind. You (at least *I*) cannot see where to put the hook!

Monday, February 18, 2013

I've had a couple of people ask me recently "How do you make an Etsy Treasury?" Or even, "What is an Etsy Treasury?" Today I'm going to try to explain Treasuries a little bit.

Etsy describes a Treasury as "An ever-changing, member-curated shopping gallery of handpicked items. Members can feature their favorite items, items selected on a theme or whatever items they like. Etsy may, at times, promote whole or partial selections from a Treasury list to other areas of the site (for example: the home page)."Now that you know what it is, here's how to make a Treasury!

On the Etsy homepage, on the bottom left-hand side there is a box that is titled "More Ways to Shop". In the middle of it is the word "Treasury". Click on it. {Here is where it should bring you.}

On the Treasury page's right-hand side you will see a box near the top that says "Curator Tools". In that box currently are two options, "Create a List" and "Your Treasury Lists". These should be pretty self-explanatory.

In order to put together a Treasury simply click "Create a List" and fill in the blanks. Once you fill in the basic information (title, privacy, description) the fun really begins! Simply add the URLs of the items you wish to include. I tend to work with multiple tabs in my browser, so copying and pasting the URLs is extremely easy.

After you've added the items take a moment to look it over and make sure that it's pleasing to the eye. You can easily move the pictures around simply by clicking on a picture, holding down the button, and moving it to the new position, and finally, releasing the button.

Then click "Save". That's all there is to it!

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind, and helpful info to read while/before putting together a treasury:

Try to find items with great pictures, they make a Treasury pop.

If you include any type of mature content, make sure to add "Mature" as a tag.

Good Morning, Dear Readers! Let me introduce you to Washington. He's a sweet eleven year old boy who needs a family.

This child has touched the heart of a friend of mine. Here's what she has to say:

A friend posted Washington's Reece's Rainbow's profile on her facebook page recently and my husband and I were instantly drawn to this young boy. He is in an orphanage in Africa and is deaf. Helping orphans is not simply deciding you are called to adopt. Don't get me wrong, it is a huge part of it and extremely important. But adoption is much bigger than that. Praying, giving, and helping in whatever way you can internationally and/or domestically or even fostering. Being pro-life is more than just saving babies inside the womb. It is about seeing all life as precious from the very beginning in the womb to the very last breath. I have the privilege of witnessing first hand three families right here in my home town adopting special needs children through Reece's Rainbow.

My husband and I are not in a position to adopt right now. But we knew we had to do something to help this little boy. I have taken part in several on-line auctions over the past year by donating items or bidding on items. They are very fun and a great way to help!

Washington currently does not have a family committed to adopt him. First and foremost, please pray that a family finds him. Second please consider helping his grant grow in two ways: donating new or slightly used items, etc. and/or bidding on the items listed in this auction. Third, please share on your facebook page, invite friends, and if you have a blog please blog about it. If you have items to add please contact me first.

How the auction will work: The auction will begin today and run through March 8, 2013. The auction will close on March 8 at 9pm EST. The current high bids will win the items. If an item has a starting bid it will be listed in the description. Shipping will be included by the donor to the 48 contiguous states. The item will not be shipped until a copy of your donation receipt from Reece's Rainbow is sent to me. All donations go directly to Washington's grant on Reece's Rainbow. All donations are tax deductible. His grant will become accessible to his future family when all of their commitment paper and fees are submitted and approved.

Please, come and check out {The Auction} and bid generously. There are a variety of items up for auction, from handmade jewelry to the book A Diary of a Wimpy Kid! The money will go towards Washington's grant, which will help with the cost of his adoption.

If you click on the following links they will take you directly to that item up for auction (keep in mind that this is just a sampling, it is not an exhaustive list!):

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

I've been playing around with the "Catherine Wheel" stitch. I think this is a great stitch: it's simple, elegant, and visually a lot more exciting than basic rows! I'm doing one with a H hook and one with a M hook. This one is with the M hook:

I've also been working on some sewing projects! I finally made a purse using Simplicity pattern 2396. I am really happy how it turned out! I did not add the button. To me the button for this purse is more decoration than functional and I didn't a a cute button on hand so I just skipped it. I think a plain-jane type of button would have been a mistake.

Personally, I like this fabric, however, my husband thinks it's pretty ugly. What are your thoughts on it? I have quite a bit of it, so I think this might be a good way to use it! It will most likely be popping up in my Etsy shop in the near future! Speaking of my Etsy shop, did you see that I'm having a$25 shop credit giveaway?

Oh, and did you see how my WIP scarf from last week turned out? Check it out here!

I've had a love for crafting of all kinds ever since I can remember and now that I stay at home with my toddler daughter I once again have the opportunity to pursue my crafting passions! In my shop you will find a little of all of the things that I enjoy making. There are some crocheted items, some woven pot-holders, jewelry, and more!

While you're entering, don't forget to enter to win the Grand Prize! One lucky winner will receive a prize package with a value of $230! Wouldn't you love to win the following?

Scarves, Cards, and Moreby The Philosopher's Wife!This giveaway starts February 11, 2013 and ends February 21, 2013. Open to continental US residents. (Grand Prize is open World Wide.) Winner will have 48 to respond to my email, if (s)he fails to respond a new winner will be chosen. Must be 18+ to enter. This contest is in no way related to Facebook and they are released of any and all liability

Friday, February 8, 2013

Daddy (AKA, The Philosopher) picked up some Giant Gingerbread Men the that were on clearance the other day. Catherine happily decorated hers, with some help from Grandma, and then had the somewhat difficult task of trying to eat the Gingerbread Man!

Don't worry, we didn't let her have the whole thing! Although, Grandma did let her have more than I would have . . .

I'm glad it's Friday. I know that I'm "just" a Stay At Home Mom, but I enjoy (lazy) weekends too!

TWO

We just watched X-Men: First Class this week. I really enjoyed it! Have you seen it? What did you think?

THREE

This week we made a trip to the library. I've just been borrowing books online with my Kindle and we have lots of books and such for Catherine, so it has actually been a while since our last visit. However, there were some books that I had reserved and I wanted to get some new kids books. I borrowed the book Curious Creatures, by David FitzSimmons, and I must say that I highly recommend it! The pictures are beautiful and the text is informative and amusing.

FOUR

Speaking of books on Kindle, I am currently reading Bob Harper's The Skinny Rules. I really like him on the Biggest Loser, but I have to say, he doesn't really have a great writing style. He's a trainer, not an author. That being said, I do like a lot of what he has to say, and no one can deny that he gets results.

FIVE

How old is the oldest shirt that you somewhat regularly wear? I have a t-shirt from my 1999 swim team that I like to wear still. My husband doesn't really understand what I still have/wear this shirt, but I like it! I loved swimming for the Barracudas so it has so much nostalgia for me, plus we always got large shirts, so it actually fits now!

I need to add some listings to my Etsy shop. I am participating in A Crafter's Dream Giveaway this month! It starts this weekend, and my prize is a $25 shop credit! Dear Reader, I'm curious, have you ever purchased something from Etsy? Why or why not?

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Yes, I realize that today is Thursday, however, this is what I wore yesterday. I almost had this post ready to go yesterday, but never quite finished it!

Soon my daughter will be old enough to take my picture, which will be nice. I find it rather awkward taking a picture of myself in general, but even more so if I'm trying to get my entire outfit in the picture.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

As you've probably noticed, I wear glasses, so I was very excited when Firmoo contacted me and asked me to review a pair of their glasses! They have a wide selection of fashionable designs, all of which are high quality and affordable.

The pair that I choose can be found {HERE}. The color is Black with Burgundy. I love how the red color is somewhat subtle, it gives the glasses some added depth. The plastic frames are trendy, especially with the side "floating" lenses.

My only complaint is that they are a little larger on my face than I thought they would be. (This is totally personal preference though!) Of course, if I had actually used the Virtual Try-On System maybe I would have known this prior to ordering them. (So, I guess this is my hint to you, dear reader, use all of the tools that Firmoo provides to get the perfect fit!)

Even if you don't "need" glasses you should check out Firmoo because all of the frames are also available with non-prescription lenses. Tons of people wear glasses that they don't "need" as a fashion accessory. They can add a geeky touch, a modern feel, a vintage vibe, a new look, or whatever you want if you just have the right pair of frames.

I hope that you check out Firmoo! They seem like a great place to get affordable and fashionable glasses! I was very happy with the customer service that I received. Additionally, I was very happy that the glasses came with a hard case, a soft case, screwdriver, and a cleaning cloth. (The hard case was even pink!)

I received the above mentioned pair of glasses from Firmoo for review. All opinions are entirely my own and may differ from your own. To see my full disclosure, go {HERE}.

I'm whipping together this pretty little infinity scarf. (Well, at least I am hoping that there will be enough length to call it a "scarf". I only have one skein of this yarn with no hope of finding a second. UPDATE: It's finished and I like it!) The stitch is another one from Super Stitches, which is the book that I think every crocheter should have on her shelf.

For some reason, I really like the look of the "Pencil Effect" in Picasa, however, there really is never an appropriate time to use it. I decided that I would go ahead and use it today, but I have to share a small color swab, because this yarn really is beautiful.

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